A kinetic study of oxidation of catechol has been investigated in presence and absence of a cationic micelle, cetyl pyridium bromide (CPBr). It is observed that the rate was rapidly increased in the presence of surfactant. The rate was independent of the initial concentration of CAT, both in the presence and absence of surfactant. A first order kinetics is observed with respect to [CAT], both in presence and absence of micelle. Activation parameters for the reaction are evaluated and the plausible mechanism is suggested.